Converting a lever action to takedown
- Thread starter OldOrange
- Start date
maple_leaf_eh
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I had to look this one up. There are takedown lever Winchesters and Savage 99 rifles, but there enough complications to make takedown levers uncommon - and for a reason.
First where does the bolt lock up? Levers are in the receiver, so you have one less issue. How long is the barrel thread? Probably about an inch. So, are you removing half the strength of the barrel, chamber and receiver, by removing half the threads so the barrel can be twisted 90-deg to come off? Oh yeah! Can the magazine tube be easily disconnected? If there is an internal spring, as is needed to push the cartridges backward, yes. Somehow, you'll have to untension that spring first. Is the nose cap suited to unscrewing, and are you willing to have a long supple spring come out with a sproing!? Can you disconnect the handguard easily? From the pictures, the handguard is nicely inletted around the receiver. Then there is the long length of optics rail extending from in front of the hammer out onto the barrel. You'll have to get that apart too.
- Location
- Vancouver Island, BC
I think the turnaround time is quite long these days. Factor in the astronomical cost and the pain of sending off and back and I think the first suggestion is probably the best: get one that is already t/d like the chiappa Alaskan.
- Location
- Edmonton, Alberta
stickhunter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Victoria, B.C.
I posted a while back about my own Marlin 1894cs takedown: https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...360336&highlight=takedown+Marlin#post16360336
I didn't do the conversion myself, but the thread above includes a link to where you can buy the components for the conversion.
I didn't do the conversion myself, but the thread above includes a link to where you can buy the components for the conversion.
NRA's gunsmithing projects book has a chapter detailing the conversion of a M1894 to takedown. It is certainly a do-able but somewhat advanced project. The barrel is unscrewed to remove. No half turn like many factory original takedowns. Essentially the method used for stickhunter's rifle.
Keep an eye out online, about a year ago I missed out on a takedown blr in 308 by a couple of days. I was saving up for it. About 5 months after that I found a new 94ae winchester trails end and scooped it up. I have usually found one online in Canada every few months for about a year and a half of looking. I just googled "takedown lever for sale canada". Lots of dealers say they'll order in only after full payment, I won't deal with them if they advertise they have it and then need to order it. I called the gun shop I dealt with to confirm they actually had it before buying. Its the most accurate lever I have owned so far, the 94's are expensive but it was worth it compared to the overpriced used market right now.
